When determining the feature set for The Rise of the Witch-King, one thing we really wanted to do was listen to the community and figure out exactly what they wanted in this expansion pack. What we found is that our multi-player community wanted new units to existing factions. We found that typically a player will pick a side, and they will learn that side and stick to it when they go online. And what they wanted were new toys to play with. So we scoured the boards, read through the debates, and figured out what each side needs; in some cases to fill certain holes or weaknesses, and in other cases to enhance strengths and strategies, but all the while being very careful not to normalize the game. You still want to have each of the factions keep a unique approach and gameplay style.

Goblins

Azog As the chief of the Orcs of Moria, and one of the most important Orcs of the northern lands, Azog was sent to Moria by Sauron and ignited the war against the Dwarves. Now as a key hero for the Goblins, he brings some viscous powers to the Goblin which compliment their other heroes. This hero of the Goblins can steal resources from buildings and with his Great Battle Rage and Crack the Whip abilities he can increase his attack speed and damage.

Fire Drake Brood The hero-horde of the Goblins, the Fire Drake Brood are flightless, fire-breathing dragons, and are now deadlier when banded together. Where as in The Battle for Middle-earth 2 you had one Fire Drake, now we have combined 3 of them into one deadly brood. You can only have three Fire Drake Broods in play at any given time. You can only train the Fire Drake Brood at a Level 3 Fissure.

Half Troll Swordsmen These vile creatures wield swords instead of the pikes of their counterparts, the Half-Troll Marauders. You can only train Half-Troll Swordsmen at a Level 2 Fissure.

Isengard

Uruk Deathbringers The hero-horde of Isengard, these mighty fighters wield two-handed swords. In a formation, they can charge the enemy with deadly effect. You can only train Uruk Deathbringers at a Level 3 Uruk Pit.

Wildmen Axethrowers These fierce warriors hurl razor-sharp axes at their opponents with deadly precision. You no longer need to build the Wildmen from a captured Inn, they are now built from a new Isengard structure called the Clean Steading.

Warg Pack The thunderous approach of a pack of Wargs is a terrifying sound to your enemies. They now act as a primary cavalry unit for Isengard.

Mordor

Gothmog Gothmog serves The Witch-king as the Lieutenant of Minas Morgul. He is infamous for his valor at The Battle of Pelenor Fields and is now brought to Mordor as a key cavalry hero, one that many fans have been asking for a long time. His powers are fearless and his speed is swift.

The Black Riders The hero-horde of Mordor see the Black Riders combined into a fearsome pack, where they are always most deadly. These fearsome minions of Sauron terrorize enemies on horseback. You can only train The Black Riders at a Level 3 Great Siege Works. You can only have one Black Rider in play at any given time.

Haradrim Lancers One of Mordors strongest weakness, the lack of a true cavalry unit, is now addressed with the addition of the Haradrim Lancers. From the back of a horse, the Haradrim Lancers swoops upon unsuspecting enemies. This unit is intended to provide the Mordor player a basic cavalry unit to help stop archer rushes early on.

Black Orcs From the black lands of Mordor come the most elite infantry warrior of Modor, the Black Orcs. This bloodthirsty breed of Orc allows Mordor players to build their most elite infantry from a single structure, the Orc Pit. Mordors elite infantry unit has now been changed from the Corsairs to the Black Orcs who can swarm in epic numbers.